Combination therapy for cancer using bromodomain and extra-terminal (bet) protein inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods for treating cancer using combinations of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors and certain chemotherapeutic drugs.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/034,922, filed May 6, 2016, which is the U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/2014/064549, filed on Nov. 7, 2014, published in English, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/901,908, filed Nov. 8, 2013, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under grant numbers CA122794, CA140594,CA137181, CA137008, CA147940, CA137008-01, 1U01CA141576 awarded by the National Institutes of Health, and under grant number P50CA090578 awarded by Lung SPORE. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cancers as a group account for approximately 13% of all deaths each year with the most common being: lung cancer (1.4 million deaths), stomach cancer (740,000 deaths), liver cancer (700,000 deaths), colorectal cancer (610,000 deaths), and breast cancer (460,000 deaths). The three most common childhood cancers are leukemia (34%), brain tumors (23%), and lymphomas (12%). Rates of childhood cancer have increased by 0.6% per year between 1975 to 2002 in the United States and by 1.1% per year between 1978 and 1997 in Europe. This makes invasive cancer the leading cause of death in the developed world and the second leading cause of death in the developing world.

Numerous anti-cancer drugs have been developed including kinase inhibitors, and anti-apoptotic agents. However, their toxicity to patients continues to be a major problem. For example, kinase inhibitors such as dasatinib and erlotinib are used in the treatment of cancer, but their adverse effects remains a serious problem. Dasatinib increases the risk of a rare but serious condition in which there is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension, PAH), while serious gastrointestinal tract, skin, and ocular disorders have been observed in patients taking the erlotinib. Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of kinase inhibitors is limited by the development of drug resistance. Accordingly, there is a need to identify novel and efficacious therapeutic strategies that mitigate the limitations of current anti-cancer drugs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the unexpected discovery that combinations of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors and certain chemotherapeutic drugs are particularly effective at treating subjects with neoplasia. Thus, the present disclosure provides improved methods of treating neoplasia. According to some aspects of the invention, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof JQ1 and/or its analog in combination with a kinase inhibitor selected from the group consisting of MK2206, dasatinib, AZD6244, crizotinib, CYT387, Lapatinib, flavopiridol, y-27632, erlotinib, Afatinib, Axitinib, Bosutinib, cetuximab, Fostamatinib, Gefitinib, Imatinib, Lapatinib, Lenvatinib, Mubritinib, Nilotinib, Panitumumab, Pazopanib, Ruxolitinib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Trastuzumab, Vandetanib, and Vemurafenib in an amount effective to treat the neoplasia.

In some embodiments, the kinase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of crizotinib, CYT387, Lapatinib, and flavopiridol. In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously with the kinase inhibitor.

According to some aspects of the invention, methods of treating neoplasia are provided which comprise administering to a subject in need thereof JQ1 and/or its analog in combination with an anti-apoptotic agent in an amount effective to treat the neoplasia. In some embodiments, the anti-apoptotic agent is selected from the group consisting of ABT263, ABT199, ABT737, and obatoclax. In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously with the anti-apoptotic agent.

According to some aspects of the invention, methods of treating neoplasia are provided which comprise administering to a subject in need thereof JQ1 and/or its analog in combination with an anti-neoplastic agent selected from the group consisting of vincristine, etoposide, 17-AAG, adrucil, velcade, SAHA, doxil, gemcitabine, AZD2281, DBZ, ifosfamide, revlimid, prednisone, rituximab, Bevacizumab, Pegaptanib, and Ranibizumab in an amount effective to treat the neoplasia. In some embodiments, the anti-neoplastic agent is velcade or gemcitabine. In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously with the anti-neoplastic agent.

According to some aspects of the invention, methods of treating neoplasia are provided which comprise administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of JQ1 and/or its analog in combination with temsirolimus or BEZ235, wherein temsirolimus or BEZ235 is administered at a dose where it alone has no anti-neoplastic effect. In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously with temsirolimus or BEZ235.

The following embodiments apply equally to the various aspects of the invention set forth herein unless indicated otherwise.

In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In some embodiments, the subject is a human patient. In some embodiments, the subject has neoplasia selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of lung cancer, lymphomas including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, prostate cancer, basal cell carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, brain cancer, CNS cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, colon cancer, rectum cancer, connective tissue cancer, cancer of the digestive system, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, eye cancer, cancer of the head and neck, gastric cancer, intra-epithelial neoplasm, kidney cancer, larynx cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, lung cancer, hematologic neoplasias, melanoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, oral cavity cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, rectal cancer, renal cancer, cancer of the respiratory system, sarcoma, skin cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine cancer, and cancers of the urinary system. In some embodiments, the neoplasia is lung cancer. In some embodiments, the neoplasia is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In some embodiments, the neoplasia is Burkitt's lymphoma.

In some embodiments, the subject is further treated with an additional anti-neoplasia therapy. In some embodiments, the additional anti-neoplasia therapy is surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, DNA therapy, viral therapy, RNA therapy, adjuvant therapy, immunotherapy or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is JQ1.

According to some aspects of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions are provided. These compositions comprise an effective amount of JQ1 or an analog thereof, and a kinase inhibitor selected from the group consisting of MK2206, dasatinib, AZD6244, crizotinib, CYT387, Lapatinib, flavopiridol, y-27632, erlotinib, Afatinib, Axitinib, Bosutinib, cetuximab, Fostamatinib, Gefitinib, Imatinib, Lapatinib, Lenvatinib, Mubritinib, Nilotinib, Panitumumab, Pazopanib, Ruxolitinib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Trastuzumab, Vandetanib, and Vemurafenib.

According to some aspects of the invention, a kit comprising a package containing a container containing JQ1 or an analog thereof, and a container containing a kinase inhibitor selected from the group consisting of MK2206, dasatinib, AZD6244, crizotinib, CYT387, Lapatinib, flavopiridol, y-27632, erlotinib, Afatinib, Axitinib, Bosutinib, cetuximab, Fostamatinib, Gefitinib, Imatinib, Lapatinib, Lenvatinib, Mubritinib, Nilotinib, Panitumumab, Pazopanib, Ruxolitinib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Trastuzumab, Vandetanib, and Vemurafenib is provided.

The details of particular embodiments of the invention are set forth herein. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the Detailed Description, the Figures, the Examples, and the Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A through FIG. 1O depict isobolograms demonstrating the synergy between kinase inhibitors and JQ1. Points below the 1 to 1 line connecting the X and Y axes are ‘synergistic’, points near the line are ‘additive’, and points above it are antagonistic.

FIG. 2A through FIG. 2M depict isobolograms representing the synergy between anti-apoptotic agents and JQ1.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3H depict isobolograms representing the synergy between anti-neoplastic agents and JQ1.

FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D depict isobolograms representing the additive effects between temsirolimus or BEZ235 and JQ1.

FIG. 5A through FIG. 5E show the dose response curves for single agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the surprising discovery that combinations of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors and certain chemotherapeutic drugs are particularly effective at treating subjects with neoplasia. As demonstrated in the Examples described below, it has been found that the therapeutic efficacy of BET bromodomain inhibitor thieno-triazolo-1,4-diazepine (JQ1) and certain chemotherapeutics, such as specific kinase inhibitors, and anti-apoptotic agents, when administered in combination exhibit synergy. Thus, the combination of JQ1 and/or its analogs with certain kinase inhibitors, anti-apoptotic agents and other specific anti-neoplastic agents is more effective in treating neoplasia than the additive effects of the individual therapeutic agents.

The synergistic effect of the combination of therapeutic agents described herein permits the use of lower dosages of one or more of the therapeutic agent(s) and/or less frequent administration of the agent(s) to a subject with neoplasia. The ability to utilize a lower dosage of one or more therapeutic agent(s) and/or to administer the therapeutic agent(s) less frequently reduces the toxicity associated with the administration of the agent(s) to a subject without reducing the efficacy of the therapy in the treatment of neoplasia. In addition, the synergistic effect results in improved efficacy of the agents in the prevention, management or treatment of neoplasia. Finally, the synergistic effect of the combination of therapeutic agents described herein helps to avoid or reduce adverse or unwanted side effects associated with the use of either therapeutic agent alone.

The present invention provides methods for treating neoplasia using synergistic combinations of JQ1 and/or its analogs with certain kinase inhibitors, anti-apoptotic agents and other specific anti-neoplastic agents. As used herein, neoplasia means a disease state of a human or an animal in which there are cells and/or tissues which proliferate abnormally. A neoplasm can be benign, potentially malignant (pre-cancer), or malignant (cancer).

Examples of cancers that may be treated with the combinations described herein include, but are not limited to, solid tumors and hematological cancers. Solid tumors are exemplified by tumors of the breast, bladder, bone, brain, central and peripheral nervous system, colon, connective tissue, endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid and adrenal cortex), esophagus, endometrium, germ cells, head and neck, kidney, liver, lung, larynx and hypopharynx, mesothelioma, muscle, ovary, pancreas, penis, prostate gland, rectum, renal, small intestine, soft tissue, testis, stomach, skin, ureter, vagina, and vulva. Also included are inherited cancers exemplified by retinoblastoma and Wilms' tumor. In addition, primary tumors in said organs are included as well as corresponding secondary tumors in distant organs (“tumor metastases”).

Hematological cancers are exemplified by aggressive and indolent forms of leukemia and lymphoma, namely diffuse large B cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's disease, chronic and acute myeloid leukemia (CML/AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin's disease, Burkitt's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and T-cell lymphoma. Also included are myelodysplastic syndrome, plasma cell neoplasia, paraneoplastic syndromes, cancers of unknown primary site as well as AIDS-related malignancies.

Examples of benign neoplasms that may be treated with the combinations described herein include, but are not limited to, benign soft tissue tumors, bone tumors, brain and spinal tumors, eyelid and orbital tumors, granuloma, lipoma, meningioma, multiple endocrine neoplasia, nasal polyps, pituitary tumors, prolactinoma, pseudotumor cerebri, seborrheic keratoses, stomach polyps, thyroid nodules, cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, hemangiomas, vocal cord nodules, polyps, and cysts, Castleman disease, chronic pilonidal disease, dermatofibroma, pilar cyst, pyogenic granuloma, and juvenile polyposis syndrome..

The BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) proteins are four closely related bromodomain-containing proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT) which constitute a subset of the larger family of 47 bromodomain-containing proteins. Bromodomains are acetyl-lysine binding pockets that target bromodomain-containing proteins to histones and thereby affect chromatin structure and function. The binding of BET protein bromodomains to chromatin regulates gene expression and small molecule inhibition of that binding produces selective effects on gene expression. Small molecule inhibition of BET bromodomains leads to selective killing of tumor cells across a broad range of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Non-limiting examples BET bromodomain inhibitors, known in the art, include JQ1 and its analogs which have been described in US 2013/0184264, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thus, in some embodiments, the methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits of the present invention comprise the BET bromodomain inhibitors described in US 2013/0184264, and incorporated herein by reference. The present invention further encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds. In some embodiments, the methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits of the present invention comprise JQ1 or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

As used herein “kinase” refers to a large class of enzymes which catalyze the transfer of the γ-phosphate from ATP to the hydroxyl group on the side chain of Ser/Thr or Tyr in proteins and peptides and are intimately involved in the control of various important cell functions, perhaps most notably: signal transduction, differentiation and proliferation. There are estimated to be about 2,000 distinct protein kinases in the human body and although each of these phosphorylate particular protein/peptide substrates, they all bind the same second substrate ATP in a highly conserved pocket. About 50% of the known oncogene products are protein tyrosine kinases PTKs and their kinase activity has been shown to lead to cell transformation.

In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered in combination with kinase inhibitors selected from the group consisting of MK2206, dasatinib, AZD6244 (Selumetinib), crizotinib, CYT387, Lapatinib, flavopiridol, y-27632, erlotinib, Afatinib, Axitinib, Bosutinib, cetuximab, Fostamatinib, Gefitinib, Imatinib, Lapatinib, Lenvatinib, Mubritinib, Nilotinib, Panitumumab, Pazopanib, Ruxolitinib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Trastuzumab, Vandetanib, and Vemurafenib in an amount effective to treat the neoplasia. In some embodiments, the kinase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of MK2206, dasatinib, AZD6244 (Selumetinib), crizotinib, CYT387, Lapatinib, and flavopiridol.

As shown in the Examples described below, a number of kinase inhibitors including MK2206, dasatinib, AZD6244 (Selumetinib), and crizotinib gave a synergistic response when administered in combination with JQ1. Without wishing to be bound by theory, kinases activate each other and similar pathways that then terminate in the nucleus where the signal is acted on by transcription factors. Since JQ1 targets BRD4 which is a critical adapter for many transcription factors, in view of the data described herein, a synergistic response is expected when the kinase inhibitors described herein are administered in combination with JQ1.

In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered in combination with an anti-apoptotic agent. As used herein, an anti-apoptotic agent is an agent that inhibits apoptosis. Such an agent can be a small organic or inorganic molecule. It may also be nucleic acid or peptide in nature. Non-limiting examples of anti-apoptotic agents include ABT263, ABT199, ABT737, ABT737, and obatoclax.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that while JQ1 strongly triggers G1 arrest, the anti-apoptotic inhibitors push the cells into full cell death. Thus, a synergistic response is expected when anti-apoptotic agents are administered in combination with JQ 1.

In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered in combination with an anti-neoplastic agent selected from the group consisting of vincristine, etoposide, 17-AAG, adrucil, velcade, SAHA, doxil, gemcitabine, AZD2281 (Olaparib), DBZ, ifosfamide, revlimid (lenalidomide), prednisone, rituximab, Bevacizumab, Pegaptanib, and Ranibizumab in an amount effective to treat the neoplasia. In some embodiments, the anti-neoplastic agent selected from the group consisting of vincristine, etoposide, 17-AAG, adrucil, velcade and gemcitabine.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that since compounds that target DNA replication demonstrated a synergistic response with JQ1 (e.g., topoisomerase inhibitors such as etoposide), other compounds that target DNA replication such as doxil, AZD2281, and ifosfamid are also expected to exhibit a synergistic response when administered in combination with JQ1.

In some embodiments, JQ1 and/or its analog is administered in combination with temsirolimus or BEZ235, wherein temsirolimus or BEZ235 is administered at a dose where it alone has no anti-neoplastic effect. As demonstrated in the Examples described below, temsirolimus and BEZ235 increased the effect of JQ1 at doses where they alone have no effect. The recommended dose of temsirolimus is 25 mg IV infused over 30-60 minutes once per week. Thus, in some embodiments, temsirolimus is administered at a dose of 20 mg, 15 mg, 10 mg or 5 mg/week with JQ1, in some embodiments IV infused over 30-60 minutes once per week. In some embodiments, BEZ235 is administered at a dose of 50 mg; 100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg; 250 mg; 300 mg; 350 mg; 400 mg; 450 mg; 500 mg; 650 mg; 700 mg; 750 mg; or 800 mg orally once daily with JQ1.

As used herein, the term “in combination” refers to the use of more than one therapeutic agent. The use of the term “in combination” does not restrict the order in which the therapeutic agents are administered to a subject with neoplasia. A first therapeutic agent, such as JQ1 or its analog, can be administered prior to (e.g., 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks before), concomitantly with, or subsequent to (e.g., 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks after) the administration of a second therapeutic agent, such as a kinase inhibitor, anti-apoptotic agent or anti-neoplastic agent described herein, to a subject with neoplasia. Thus, JQ1 and/or its analog can be administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously with the second therapeutic agent, such as a kinase inhibitor, anti-apoptotic agent or anti-neoplastic agent described herein

A “subject” to which administration is contemplated includes, but is not limited to, humans; commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, cats, and/or dogs) and birds (e.g., commercially relevant birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, and/or turkeys). A subject in need of treatment is a subject identified as having neoplasia, i.e., the subject has been diagnosed by a physician (e.g., using methods well known in the art) as having neoplasia. In some embodiments, the subject in need of treatment is a subject suspected of having or developing a neoplasia, such as a subject presenting one or more symptoms indicative of a neoplasia. The term “subject in need of treatment” further includes people who once had a neoplasia but whose symptoms have ameliorated. The one or more symptoms or clinical features of neoplasia depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung tumors may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Tumors of the colon can cause weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, iron deficiency anemia, and blood in the stool. The following symptoms occur with most tumors: chills, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, malaise, night sweats, and weight loss.

The terms “administer,” “administering,” or “administration,” as used herein refers to implanting, absorbing, ingesting, injecting, or inhaling the one or more therapeutic agents.

As used herein, the terms “treatment,” “treat,” and “treating” refer to reversing, alleviating, delaying the onset of, or inhibiting the progress of neoplasia. In some embodiments, treatment may be administered after one or more signs or symptoms have developed or have been observed. In other embodiments, treatment may be administered in the absence of signs or symptoms of the neoplasia. For example, treatment may be administered to a susceptible individual prior to the onset of symptoms (e.g., in light of a history of symptoms and/or in light of genetic or other susceptibility factors). Treatment may also be continued after symptoms have resolved, for example, to delay or prevent recurrence.

An “effective amount” refers to an amount sufficient to elicit the desired biological response, i.e., treating the neoplasia. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in this art, the effective amount of the compounds described herein may vary depending on such factors as the desired biological endpoint, the pharmacokinetics of the compound, the condition being treated, the mode of administration, and the age and health of the subject. An effective amount includes, but is not limited to, that amount necessary to slow, reduce, inhibit, ameliorate or reverse one or more symptoms associated with neoplasia. For example, in the treatment of neoplasia, such terms may refer to a reduction in the size of the tumor.

An effective amount of a compound may vary from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg in one or more dose administrations, for one or several days (depending on the mode of administration). In certain embodiments, the effective amount varies from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 750 mg/kg, from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg, from about 1.0 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg, and from about 10.0 mg/kg to about 150 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, the subject is further treated with one or more additional anti-neoplasia therapy. For example, the subject may undergo surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, DNA therapy, viral therapy, RNA therapy, adjuvant therapy, immunotherapy or a combination thereof.

The compounds provided herein can be administered by any route, including enteral (e.g., oral), parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intramedullary, intrathecal, subcutaneous, intraventricular, transdermal, interdermal, rectal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal, topical (as by powders, ointments, creams, and/or drops), mucosal, nasal, bucal, sublingual; by intratracheal instillation, bronchial instillation, and/or inhalation; and/or as an oral spray, nasal spray, and/or aerosol. Specifically contemplated routes are oral administration, intravenous administration (e.g., systemic intravenous injection), regional administration via blood and/or lymph supply, and/or direct administration to an affected site. In general, the most appropriate route of administration will depend upon a variety of factors including the nature of the agent (e.g., its stability in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract), and/or the condition of the subject (e.g., whether the subject is able to tolerate oral administration).

The exact amount of a compound required to achieve an effective amount will vary from subject to subject, depending, for example, on species, age, and general condition of a subject, severity of the side effects or disorder, identity of the particular compound, mode of administration, and the like. The desired dosage can be delivered three times a day, two times a day, once a day, every other day, every third day, every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, or every four weeks. In certain embodiments, the desired dosage can be delivered using multiple administrations (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more administrations).

In certain embodiments, an effective amount of a compound for administration one or more times a day to a 70 kg adult human may comprise about 0.0001 mg to about 3000 mg, about 0.0001 mg to about 2000 mg, about 0.0001 mg to about 1000 mg, about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg, about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg, about 0.1 mg to about 1000 mg, about 1 mg to about 1000 mg, about 1 mg to about 100 mg, about 10 mg to about 1000 mg, or about 100 mg to about 1000 mg, of a compound per unit dosage form.

In certain embodiments, the compounds provided herein may be administered at dosage levels sufficient to deliver from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg, from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg, preferably from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 40 mg/kg, preferably from about 0.5 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg, from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, and more preferably from about 1 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg, of subject body weight per day, one or more times a day, to obtain the desired therapeutic effect.

It will be appreciated that dose ranges as described herein provide guidance for the administration of provided pharmaceutical compositions to an adult. The amount to be administered to, for example, a child or an adolescent can be determined by a medical practitioner or person skilled in the art and can be lower or the same as that administered to an adult.

Pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be prepared by any method known in the art of pharmacology. In general, such preparatory methods include the steps of bringing the active ingredients such as JQ1 or an analog thereof into association with a carrier or excipient, and/or one or more other accessory ingredients, and then, if necessary and/or desirable, shaping, and/or packaging the product into a desired single- or multi-dose unit. Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared, packaged, and/or sold in bulk, as a single unit dose, and/or as a plurality of single unit doses. As used herein, a “unit dose” is a discrete amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising a predetermined amount of the active ingredient. The amount of the active ingredient is generally equal to the dosage of the active ingredient which would be administered to a subject and/or a convenient fraction of such a dosage such as, for example, one-half or one-third of such a dosage.

The pharmaceutical preparations of the present invention may include or be diluted into a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. The term “pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier” as used herein means one or more compatible fillers, diluents or other such substances, which are suitable for administration to a human or other mammal such as a dog, cat, or horse. The term “carrier” denotes an organic or inorganic ingredient, natural or synthetic, with which the active ingredient is combined to facilitate the application. The carriers are capable of being commingled with the preparations of the present invention, and with each other, in a manner such that there is no interaction which would substantially impair the desired pharmaceutical efficacy or stability. Carriers suitable for oral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, etc. formulations can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following Example, which in no way should be construed as further limiting. The entire contents of all of the references (including literature references, issued patents, published patent applications, and co pending patent applications) cited throughout this application are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES Material and Methods

Compounds were profiled against H2122 human lung cancer line and m855 mouse GEM line containing p53/kRas mutations. Compounds were also profiled against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines OCI-Ly1, OCI-Ly3, OCI-Ly4, OCI-Ly7, S-DHL4, SU-DHL6, SU-DHL7 , HBL1, K422, U2932 and Toledo, and against Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines Raji and Ca46.

Using a Biotek EL406, 50 uL of cell media containing 20-60,000 cells/ml was distributed into white 384-well Nunc plates (Thermo). Suspension cells then received compound immediately while adherent cells lines were given one hour to reattach to the surface of the plate prior to compound addition. The compounds to be tested were dissolved in DMSO and arrayed on 384 well compound storage plates (Greiner). Each compound plate received one compound in 5 point dose response approximately centered on the IC50 of the given compound for a given cell line.

Compound arrays were distributed to assay plates using a 100 nl 384 or 96-well pin transfer manifold on a Janus MDT workstation (Perkin Elmer). By pinning the ‘forwards’ compound directly and the ‘reverse’ compound plate backwards, a set of 8 replicates of all 5 by 5 compound concentrations was achieved in addition to each compound in quadruplicate 5 point dose response on its own.

After addition of compound, cell plates were incubated for 72 hr in a 370C incubator. Cell viability was evaluated using ATPlite (Perkin Elmer) following manufacturer protocols. Data was analyzed in CalcuSyn utilizing the median effect principle of presented by Chou-Talalay and visualized using GraphPad Prism Software. Key parameters assessed were combination index and dose reduction index.

ATPlite Assay

Using a Biotek EL406, 50 uL of cell media containing 20-60,000 cells/ml was distributed into white 384-well Nunc plates (Thermo). Immediately after plating, compound dissolved in DMSO was distributed to plates using a 100 nl 384-well pin transfer manifold on a Janus MDT workstation (Perkin Elmer). Stocks were arrayed in 10 point quadruplicate dose response in DMSO stock in 384-well Greiner compound plates. After addition of compound, cell plates were incubated for 72 hr in a 370C incubator. Cell viability was evaluated using ATPlite (Perkin Elmer) and data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism Software.

Results

FIG. 1A through FIG. 1O depict isobolograms demonstrating the synergy between kinase inhibitors and JQ1. Points below the 1 to 1 line connecting the X and Y axes are ‘synergistic’, points near the line are ‘additive’, and points above it are antagonistic. FIG. 2A through FIG. 2M depict isobolograms representing the synergy between anti-apoptotic agents and JQ1. FIG. 3A through FIG. 3H depict isobolograms representing the synergy between anti-neoplastic agents and JQ1. FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D depict isobolograms representing the additive effects between temsirolimus or BEZ235 and JQ1. FIG. 5A through FIG. 5E show the dose response curves for single agents.

TABLE 1 Average CI values for drug combinations DHL4 DHL6 DHL7 TOLEDO LY4 LY3 HBL

RAJI CA46 L428 JQ1/ABT263 0.341778 0.547

0.550889 0.605 0.492444 0.624778 0.448889 N/A N/A 2.756778 JQ1/OBA 0.852111 1.227556 1.08

111 0.793333 0.859 0.821111 0.852222 0.442333 0.669889 0.742222 JQ1/Flavo 0.373

0.657333 0.373889 1.418111 0.

10111 0.641556 0.86

1.225222 1.709   2.419222 Flavo/ABT263 0.496444 0.360222 1.429333 0.483778 N/A 1.480667 1.670667 N/A N/A N/A Flavo/OBA 0.989

0.969333 2.413333 0.692111 1.167889 0.32 1.899111 1.120222 0.768111 1.73533

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

EQUIVALENTS AND SCOPE

In the claims articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may mean one or more than one unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that include “or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.

Furthermore, the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, and descriptive terms from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim. For example, any claim that is dependent on another claim can be modified to include one or more limitations found in any other claim that is dependent on the same base claim. Where elements are presented as lists, e.g., in Markush group format, each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should it be understood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular elements and/or features, certain embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements and/or features. For purposes of simplicity, those embodiments have not been specifically set forth in haec verba herein. It is also noted that the terms “comprising” and “containing” are intended to be open and permits the inclusion of additional elements or steps. Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or sub-range within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

This application refers to various issued patents, published patent applications, journal articles, and other publications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. If there is a conflict between any of the incorporated references and the instant specification, the specification shall control. In addition, any particular embodiment of the present invention that falls within the prior art may be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. Because such embodiments are deemed to be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, they may be excluded even if the exclusion is not set forth explicitly herein. Any particular embodiment of the invention can be excluded from any claim, for any reason, whether or not related to the existence of prior art.

Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. The scope of the present embodiments described herein is not intended to be limited to the above Description, but rather is as set forth in the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications to this description may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims. 

1-3. (canceled)
 4. A method of treating neoplasia comprising: administering to a subject in need thereof JQ1 and/or its analog in combination with an anti-apoptotic agent in an amount effective to treat the neoplasia.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the anti-apoptotic agent is selected from the group consisting of ABT263, ABT199, ABT737, and obatoclax.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein JQ1 and/or its analog is administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously with the anti-apoptotic agent. 7-11. (canceled)
 12. The method of claim 4, wherein the subject is a mammal.
 13. The method claim 12, wherein the subject is a human patient.
 14. The method of claim 4, wherein the subject has neoplasia selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of lung cancer, lymphomas including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, prostate cancer, basal cell carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, brain cancer, CNS cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, colon cancer, rectum cancer, connective tissue cancer, cancer of the digestive system, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, eye cancer, cancer of the head and neck, gastric cancer, intra-epithelial neoplasm, kidney cancer, larynx cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, lung cancer, hematologic neoplasias, melanoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, oral cavity cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, rectal cancer, renal cancer, cancer of the respiratory system, sarcoma, skin cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine cancer, and cancers of the urinary system.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the neoplasia is lung cancer.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the neoplasia is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the neoplasia is Burkitt's lymphoma.
 18. The method of claim 4, further comprising treating the subject with an additional anti-neoplasia therapy.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the additional anti-neoplasia therapy is surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, DNA therapy, viral therapy, RNA therapy, adjuvant therapy, immunotherapy or a combination thereof.
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled) 